A stabbing defendant was given a “gift” sentence before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 10.
On June 27, Leonard Hampton, 30, pleaded guilty to simple assault for his involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual on the 1700 block of Euclid Street, NW on Jan. 11.
Hampton reportedly stabbed the victim in response to an argument that had occurred between the victim and Hampton’s mother.
During the hearing, the prosecution urged Judge Salerno to impose a sentence of 180 days with credit for time served, recognizing the victim’s reluctance to press charges.
The prosecution stated that “180 days is a gift,” and emphasized the benefit of the plea deal, which significantly reduced Hampton’s potential sentence of 36-to-78 months. “Even if his intentions were good and he intended to defend his mother, this was not the way to do it,” the prosecutor said.
Hampton’s attorney, Justin Boggs, asked the judge to impose a time served sentence, allowing him to be released immediately. Boggs noted that Hampton had already served 168 days in jail and had completed more than 80 electronic programs during his incarceration. Boggs also highlighted that Hampton had been fully prepared to proceed to trial prior to accepting the plea deal.
Hampton addressed the court, saying, “I take full responsibility for my actions,” and expressed that he wished he had handled the situation differently.
Judge Salerno sentenced Hampton to 168 days of incarceration with credit for time served, stating there was “not a whole lot of difference” between that and the prosecution’s request of 180 days of incarceration.
No further dates were set.
